Ancient Greek Attic Black Figure Pottery Lekythos - 490 BC

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Seller:artancientltd(9,479)99.4%,
Location:London,
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Item:201718311252An ancient Greek Attic black-figure lekythos, dating to around 490 BC. A joyous scene decorates the body of this elegant black-figure lekythos (oil flask). We see a procession, perhaps Dionysiac in nature, with a male figure leading the way, followed by a female musician playing the aulos, a bearded man (possibly Dionysos) carrying a rhyton and another female behind. The form of the vessel itself is delicate, the piriform body sits upon a ringed base, with a strap handle and tall neck flaring gracefully into a trumpet mouth, the shoulders decorated with a black starburst motif. With a series of pseudo or "nonsense" inscriptions running up alongside each figure. This wonderful lekythos offers us a snapshot of life in ancient Greece, intricate detail is substituted for a true sense of energy and vitality, and the piece is all the richer for it. Up until recently it was believed that the “nonsense” inscriptions (meaningless strings of Greek letters) that feature on many Attic ceramics such as this were simply gibberish, the result of illiteracy on the part of the painter. However, recent studies have shown that many are in fact Greek attempts at re-creating the sounds of foreign names and words, forming the earliest attestations of many “barbarian” languages. Height: 6 ¾ inches. Condition: Excellent, unrestored. Provenance: Ex. Swiss private collection, acquired from Herbert A. Cahn, Kunst der Antike, Basel, 4th May 1990. A copy of the original invoice will be provided to the new buyer. Authenticity All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be Authentic as described. For added security we offer a full money-back guarantee if a recognized authority disputes the authenticity of any object sold. We send paper invoices incorporating a signed certificate of authenticity and photograph of the item. Shipping We send all collectibles Registered, Signed-for and Insured. We do not aim to profit from shipping charges. As volume sellers with preferential rates, we are mostly able to ship at below commercially available prices. For eBay customers If you wish to leave us a note or have a special request for delivery, please do not use the "item notes" on the ebay checkout. Instead, please send your request via the contact seller link. Combined shipping In some cases we can combine multiple items into a single package to save you money. However, If you plan to purchase items over the course of a day or more you must delay payment and let us know after you have purchased the first item. Otherwise all items are sent following cleared payment. Terms and conditions No Sales Tax/VAT will be charged by ourselves. We are not responsible for customs delays/duties. As legitimate sellers, we abide by United Kingdom and European Union Export regulations. We do not mis-describe items on the customs form. Please note that in most countries, antiques and collectibles are eligible for minimal/zero charges on importation. ArtAncient Limited is registered in England no. 06376708 Vat registration no: GB 948 9832 53. Services & Partners: inkFrog AnalyticsMaterial: Terracotta, Original or Reproduction: Original, Genuine or Reproduction: Genuine, Culture: Greek, Period: 400-300 B.C,, Type: Lekythos